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Th Gibson “P.A.F.” Humbucking Pickup: From Myth to Reality (New Book 4/01/18)

BIG Dave

Active member
Joined
Aug 18, 2001
Messages
2,421
Did a search, didn’t see this posted, so here goes:

“Some of the most iconic recordings ever set to vinyl were produced on the Gibson Les Paul with the "Patent Applied For" pickup which, with its glass-like chime and haunting mids, represents the heart and soul of classic rock and the foundation upon which all subsequent guitar tone has evolved. The analysis within these 4-color pages precisely examines that very heart and soul, investigating its origins, development and rise to stardom...leaving no stone unturned in a quest to understand exactly what it is about the mythology of this particular combination of wires, wood and metal that make it so appealing to the ear, and so irreplaceable to the mix. Never before has such a revealing peek behind the scenes of the "Patent Applied For" pickup been attempted, but authors Mario Milan and James Finnerty will take you on a photographic tour of the genesis of the P.A.F. pickup with expert attention to every aspect of their engineering and a precise comparison and explanation of the qualities of pickups emanating from different eras. Along the way, myths are debunked, secrets revealed, and mysteries solved, which, along with an exclusive interview with Ted McCarty offer a deep and thorough analysis of that which makes these creations so uniquely special, as well as an explanation of exactly why replication has been so elusive. Well-known pickup winders offer their own diverse and individual perspectives on the reasons for such compelling and enduring appeal.”


https://www.amazon.com/Gibson-34-F-...sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=gibson+par+myth+reality
 

jwalker

Les Paul Forum Sponsor
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Dec 10, 2004
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2,592
I just ordered mine. Mario interviewed me for the book.
 
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duaneflowers

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Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
This book really is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of the PAF Pickup as well as Les Pauls in general... Mario and James did a fantastic job on it and I do believe it is destined to be known as "The PAF Bible" once word gets out. The exclusive interview with Ted McCarty and the interviews with the winders stand out for me as highlights... as well as the wealth of knowledge these guys poured into it.

There are a lot of pix too... so even Big Al and Ren can enjoy it... :spabout


33040208_10215426590674533_7548733759516835840_o.jpg
 

duaneflowers

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Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
I thought you learned how to read Ren..?:spabout

A popular misconception... he uses a special translator that converts all the words to emojis (and vice versa)... its why he is so often misunderstood... and teased behind his back... :##
 

duaneflowers

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Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
How did they manage that? The man passed away 17 yrs ago.

It was an interview from an old cassette tape made after some convention not long before Ted passed. The recording was really low quality and I could hardly make out some parts... but I think we got 99% of it right... :spabout
 

Jazzfinger

New member
Joined
May 23, 2018
Messages
25
I want to check this out. I can;t imagine they will sell too many of these. There are not that many PAF freaks out there but I for one will pony up to check this out. Thanks for sharing!
 

zhivago

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Joined
Sep 29, 2004
Messages
1,417
My copy arrived a couple of days ago...the book looks fabulous, and it also features my '56 Les Paul Custom and old '56 tweed Princeton, as it also looks into the pickups before the PAF :jim
 

buckaroo

Formerly Tweedguy
Joined
Feb 17, 2009
Messages
938
Got the book 2 days ago, It is very interesting how many variables differ between each PAF pickup coil that was made. Great book!
 

duaneflowers

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Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
Any reviews from any of you guys that have read it?

Love to hear what y'all think... :salude
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I ordered my copy yesterday from Barnes & Noble and will gladly read it and then add it to my library .
 

TM1

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Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
I've enjoyed mine so far. I don't get alot of time to read these days between having two new puppies and playing in 3 different bands and my amp & guitar repair shop in the day..
But it looks really nice and has some great info and the pictures are really incredibly well done!
 
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